China urban and rural highlights holiday, tailormade

Planet

- CARBON REDUCTION

This itinerary covers several widely separated regions of China, so domestic flights and private vehicles are used where they are needed to connect destinations and reach attractions outside the main urban areas. The route avoids adding unnecessary intermediate stops between these regions, while the Beijing–Xi’an journey is made by high-speed train as part of the planned itinerary.

Within individual destinations, the program also includes travel on foot in areas such as the Forbidden City, Beijing’s hutongs, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and Xingping Ancient Town. In Yangshuo, the Li River section from Yangdi to Xingping is operated by a fully electric bamboo raft, providing an alternative to a conventional fuel-powered raft for this specific water-based experience.

- ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Nature is an important part of the Yangshuo section of the journey. The Li River rafting route passes through karst mountains, rice fields, riverside villages and other rural landscapes, while the following countryside experience continues through farmland, bamboo groves and traditional villages.

The Great Wall visit also takes place in a natural setting, with travelers walking along the Mutianyu section among forested hills and mountain scenery. In the Yangshuo countryside, water buffalo may be seen around fields and riverbanks as part of the local rural landscape. The itinerary does not include captive wildlife attractions, animal handling or animal performances.

People

- LOCAL ECONOMY

The itinerary creates opportunities to spend locally through its choice of food, accommodation and cultural experiences. Meals are arranged at local restaurants, while the Xi’an visit to the Muslim Quarter introduces travelers to the area’s food stalls, shops and small eateries.

In Yangshuo, travelers stay at a countryside lodge rather than only using accommodation in the main urban area. The itinerary also includes locally delivered experiences such as the oil tea activity and the traditional cultural activities in Xi’an, allowing part of the travel spend to be connected with businesses and providers in the destinations visited.

- EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

A range of local professionals and community members contribute to the trip, including destination guides, private drivers, a local family host and people involved in traditional cultural activities. The shadow puppet performance at Gao’s Courtyard and the tea, calligraphy and oil tea experiences provide direct contact with practitioners who share aspects of their cultural traditions with visitors.

The itinerary also moves beyond a single representation of Chinese culture. Travelers encounter the historic hutongs of Beijing, the heritage of Xi’an, the food culture of its Chinese-Muslim community, family life in a local household and the rural traditions of Yangshuo. Together, these experiences introduce different communities, customs and ways of life encountered across the route.